Posted on 19/05/2019 19:01
I want to down size my tow car from a 2.4 diesel 4x4 and would like to change to a saloon car with a petrol engine of say 1.6 lt manual gearbox. The van is a Swift Challenger 470. 1109kg to 1350kg. Any suggestions please, I should add that I don't travel long distances now usually 80 to 100 miles and keep off the motorway system as much as possible.
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Posted on 25/05/2019 08:56
Thanks everyone it seems a diesel is the majority choice, but with pump prices at £ 1.39 here today and environmental charges coming to a road or town near us all soon, that may well not be an option for the long term, also a friend in the car trade tells me that residuals on diesels are falling as is interest from buyers, also the latest 4x4 petrol and diesel SUV's have very similar fuel consumption figures.
Back in the 80's I towed with several FWD 1.8 or 2.0 litre Austin Princess, and in the 90's a Compass with a RWD Opel. But of course back then the caravans were much lighter and you didn't need a mover to push/pull them into tight corners, Either that or I was much fitter!
Posted on 25/05/2019 08:56 by AustindevonThanks everyone it seems a diesel is the majority choice, but with pump prices at £ 1.39 here today and environmental charges coming to a road or town near us all soon, that may well not be an option for the long term, also a friend in the car trade tells me that residuals on diesels are falling as is interest from buyers, also the latest 4x4 petrol and diesel SUV's have very similar fuel consumption figures.
Back in the 80's I towed with several FWD 1.8 or 2.0 litre Austin Princess, and in the 90's a Compass with a RWD Opel. But of course back then the caravans were much lighter and you didn't need a mover to push/pull them into tight corners, Either that or I was much fitter!
Posted on 25/05/2019 11:38
Agree, Modern cars do NOT make good towcars. Sorry 'Towcar of the Year' CMC. Design is heading in the opposite direction.
Example: Suzuki Grand Vitara of 2009 Could tow 2 tonne.And had a full sized spare wheel mounted on the rear door (where it could be accessed easily).
Todays Vitara is Not a reasonable towcar, and is not marketed as such.
My advice, stick with what you have.
Austindevon
Caravanner